Can a writer write when not actually writing?
Many of us feel guilty when not sitting in front of our laptop writing, but to be honest so much of our writing ideas and skills come to life when we are not busy writing. These activities may ‘take us away’ from our writing, but I believe they also enrich our words by providing ideas and additional knowledge and invaluable connections in the writing community. As writers we do so much more than just write sentences.
Our readers see the end result, the sun shining through the top of a tree with all the hard work invisible in the trunk and the multiple roots.
So apart from tapping away on my laptop here are just a few of the activities I have enjoyed ‘taking me away’ from my actual writing time this year.
Writing groups
I am part of a writers’ group that meet once a month. The group have some excellent speakers and workshops and is a great way to connect and give/get writing support.
In the past I have also been involved with critique groups, an invaluable asset when struggling with your work or just want reassurance you are on the right track with a scene or chapter. Sometimes we get so close to our own work we cannot see the issue or the solution.
Festivals and conferences
Attending writers festivals and conferences is not only great fun but also informative and another avenue to connect with writing industry folks. This year I attended both the Sydney writers’ festival in May, the Sth Coast writers’ festival in July and the Romance Writers conference in August. I could have happily attended more but they also have to align with my current budget. Of course, that will change once I become a top writer on Medium. Did I tell you I’m the eternal optimist?
Social media
As the long standing Social Media officer for our local writers festival I have put together a large number of posts to promote this festival and its many fantastic speakers. This provided me with new skills and knowledge that I can now use in my…